A MAN has been charged stealing chairs and a table from a Grays veterans' club.

Thurrock Nub News reported last week on the theft at the RAF Association club on Southend Road, featuring film clips of the items being stolen in the early hours of successive mornings.

The films sparked the interest of Thurrock police officers who recognised the thieves and they responded quickly.

A force statement says: "We're pleased to confirm we've arrested two suspects, and charged one.

"In the early hours of Wednesday, 25 June, a man and woman were caught on CCTV seemingly helping themselves to chairs from the property. Not to be outdone, the same man returned the next night (Thursday 26 June) with a new friend and walked off with a large table.

Two of the stolen chairs were spotted by passers-by at a homeless encampment by Thames Road in Grays.

"Thanks to some sharp-eyed CCTV work and officers with local knowledge and experience, we quickly identified those involved.

"On Saturday, 28 June, a 46-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, from Grays were arrested on suspicion of theft.

"The man has since been charged with the chair and table thefts, 13 additional (unrelated) shoplifting offences, and two assaults. He's now been remanded.

"We're still conducting enquiries into the other man."